7 Festive And Fun Projects For Baby’s First Birthday Party

From party favors to no-mess activities, these DIY ideas will make the day even more memorable.

Sure, it’s been 12 months of sleepless nights, diaper blowouts and tummy-time tantrums—aka baby’s first year—but you wouldn’t have it any other way. Baby’s turning 1 (we know, time flies!), and you want to throw a party as special as she is, which means playful props and cute decorations are in order. Not a master crafter? Not a problem. All the projects below were created with the versatile Cricut Explore, a desktop die-cutting machine that lets you create professional-looking cards, signs, favors and more with the tap of a button. Because pulling out all the stops for baby’s big bash should be a piece of (birthday) cake.

Party Hats

Whether it’s a girl’s boho-centric bash or a boy’s boisterous blowout, cute headwear is a must. Celebrate baby with a pastel floral- and feather-adorned headband that wouldn’t be out of place at a music fest, or DIY these super-simple stegosaurus spikes for a dinosaur-obsessed crowd.

Photo Booth Props

Who doesn’t love a good birthday photo op? Coax the cutest smiles out of partygoers with cheery card stock props. Go for classic cupcakes and birthday blurbs in front of a paper-chain backdrop, or kick up dinosaur- and safari-themed shindigs with gear fit for the littlest explorers.

Circus Mobile

A circus theme practically mandates a mobile made with the big top in mind, and you can craft one with little more than card stock, dowels and fishing line. Kids will be fascinated by the shimmering shapes and colors, and adults will be delighted by how easy it is to create. (It’s also a good way to designate the gift drop-off area.)

Hanging Pails

Designate a charming, and mess-free, activity area with hanging pails that hold markers, crayons or chalk. Adhere vinyl letters, animals or shapes to each pail for an on-theme finishing touch, then watch your little Picassos-in-training go to work!